Six Cannabis Bills Have Been Filed This Year in the U.S. Congress, With More on the Way: A Breakdown

As of June 2025, members of the U.S. House and Senate have introduced six cannabis-related bills focused on everything from veterans’ access and state-level protections to tax policy and federal regulatory planning.

While some bills build on earlier efforts, others represent new approaches to longstanding issues in marijuana policy.

Below is a breakdown of the six cannabis bills currently under consideration, along with a look at a seventh bill expected to be filed any day now.

Veterans Equal Access Act (H.R. 1384)

Filed by Representative Brian Mast (R-FL), this bill would allow physicians at the Department of Veterans Affairs to issue medical marijuana recommendations to veterans in states where it’s legal. The proposal seeks to eliminate barriers veterans currently face in accessing medical cannabis through their VA healthcare providers.

STATES 2.0 Act (H.R. 2934)

Introduced by Representatives Dave Joyce (R-OH), Max Miller (R-OH), and Dina Titus (D-NV), the STATES 2.0 Act would shield individuals and businesses acting in accordance with state or tribal cannabis laws from federal prosecution. The bill would also allow for interstate marijuana trade between compliant jurisdictions and enable cannabis companies to access tax deductions currently blocked by federal law. Additionally, it proposes a pathway toward federal regulation and taxation of marijuana.

Evidence-Based Drug Policy Act (H.R. 8219)

This bill, sponsored by Representatives Dina Titus (D-NV) and Ilhan Omar (D-MN), would task the Government Accountability Office with evaluating whether cannabis’s classification as a Schedule I drug is supported by current scientific data. The goal is to assess how the classification impacts research access and whether federal law reflects the latest evidence on marijuana’s medical potential and public health risks.

Veterans Cannabis Use for Safe Healing Act (H.R. 966)

Filed by Representative Greg Steube (R-FL), this legislation would prohibit the VA from denying veterans access to benefits based solely on state-legal medical cannabis use. It would also allow VA doctors to discuss marijuana as a treatment option and include it in care plans when permitted under local law.

Preparing Regulators Effectively for a Post-Prohibition Adult-Use Regulated Environment Act (H.R. 2935)

Often shortened to the PREPARE Act, this bill was introduced by Representatives Dave Joyce (R-OH) and Hakeem Jeffries (D-NY). It would establish a commission of experts to guide the federal government in crafting regulations ahead of eventual nationwide marijuana legalization. The commission would help coordinate a transition from state-by-state rules to a unified federal framework.

No Deductions for Marijuana Businesses Act (S. 471 / H.R. 1447)

This is the only active bill in Congress this session that seeks to restrict the cannabis industry. Sponsored by Senators James Lankford (R-OK) and Pete Ricketts (R-NE) in the Senate, and Representative Nathaniel Moran (R-TX) in the House, the measure would block cannabis businesses from claiming tax deductions—even if marijuana is rescheduled. Industry groups have strongly opposed the proposal, arguing it would hurt legal operators while helping the illicit market.

SAFE and SAFER Banking Acts (Not Yet Filed)

Though not yet introduced in 2025, lawmakers from both parties have signaled that updated versions of the SAFE and SAFER Banking Acts are in the works and will be filed soon. These bills would protect financial institutions that serve state-licensed marijuana businesses, helping to solve banking challenges that have plagued the industry for years. Representatives Dina Titus (D-NV) and David  Joyce (R-OH) have confirmed that cannabis banking reform remains a top priority, and a new filing is expected sometime this year.

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